MySainsburys Kronos: Complete Guide for Sainsbury’s Employees (2026) 

If you work at Sainsbury’s, you have probably heard the name MySainsburys Kronos but not every colleague fully understands what it does, how to access it, or why it matters. Whether you are a brand-new starter trying to find your first rota or a long-serving team member who wants to swap a shift, this guide covers everything you need to know about the MySainsburys Kronos system in 2026.

In simple terms, MySainsburys Kronos is the workforce management platform that sits inside Sainsbury’s employee portal. It is where you view your rota, track hours worked, request time off, and manage shift swaps and no separate login is needed, because Kronos is accessed directly through the main MySainsburys.

This guide walks you through everything: what Kronos is, how to log in, what features are available, your pay and benefits, and answers to the most common questions asked by Sainsbury’s colleagues.

What Is MySainsburys Kronos?

Kronos, now part of the UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) system, is much more than a scheduling tool. It is a complete workforce management platform used globally by major employers like Sainsbury’s. For Sainsbury’s, Kronos integrates directly with HR and payroll databases, so every update you make in Kronos reflects across your entire employment record.

The system was originally known as Kronos Workforce Central and has since been rebranded under the UKG banner, but most Sainsbury’s staff still refer to it as Kronos. MySainsburys itself has also had a name change; it is now called OurSainsburys, and the login goes through Microsoft 365, which is why you might see a Microsoft-branded page appear. That is completely normal.

Key Things You Can Do in Kronos

• View and manage your weekly rota and upcoming shifts
• Download monthly payslips and pay history (P60, P45)
• Submit holiday and time-off requests
• Swap shifts with eligible colleagues
• Update personal information (address, bank details)
• Access company announcements and policy updates
• Track hours worked and verify timecards against payslips

How to Log In to MySainsburys Kronos

Step 1: Go to the Portal

Access Kronos through your regular MySainsburys employee portal using your Sainsbury’s work email and password. Go to oursainsburys.co.uk and sign in, then look for “Kronos” or “My Schedule” on your dashboard.

Step 2: Enter Your Credentials

If you are logging in to your account for the first time, you will need to enter the temporary password provided by HR or your store manager. Returning employees should enter the password they set at their last login. When logging in, you may be asked to validate your email address, answer a security question, or complete identity verification.

Step 3: Access the Kronos Section

Once signed in, search for “Kronos Colleague Self-Service” within the portal, open the first result, and select “View rota” to see your shifts. You can also install the UKG Workforce Central app on your mobile device to receive push notifications.

Tip: The best browsers for the MySainsburys portal are Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Firefox. If you are having trouble, try clearing your browser cache or switching to a different browser.

Using the Mobile App

The UKG Workforce app lets you carry all Kronos features in your pocket. It is especially handy for frontline employees who are not always near a computer. The app is available on both iOS and Android. Search for “UKG Pro” in your app store. Some older direct Kronos links, like sainsburys.kronos.net, may redirect or be specific to desktop views; use the main portal for easiest access.

Troubleshooting Login Problems

If you cannot get in, try the following before contacting IT:

• Double-check your username and password, ensure Caps Lock is off
• Clear your browser’s cache and cookies
• Update the UKG app if you are on mobile
• Try a different browser or device
• Contact the Sainsbury’s IT Helpdesk: 0345 603 2282
• Contact HR Service Centre: 0800 707 6242 (free)

Key Features of MySainsburys Kronos

1. View and Manage Your Rota

Your weekly schedule is one of the most-used features on Kronos. You can see shifts days or weeks in advance, check for any changes your manager has made, and plan your week accordingly. Sainsbury’s Kronos includes a shift-swapping feature that allows employees to trade shifts without disrupting overall operations. This is especially useful for part-timers or students balancing multiple commitments.

2. Payslips and Pay History

Once signed in, choose “My HR,” click “Payslips,” enter your colleague number when asked, and download the PDF for any pay period. You can compare timecard totals with your payslip, ensure your overtime hours match your approved schedule, and review your Work Summary before payroll cut-off dates. If you notice any discrepancies, report them early to prevent underpayment in your next pay cycle.

3. Holiday and Time-Off Requests

You can view your remaining holiday allowance and submit leave requests directly through Kronos without needing to speak to a manager first. It is advisable to plan ahead and submit vacation requests two to three weeks in advance to avoid scheduling conflicts.

4. Tax Documents

You can access important tax documents like your P60 and P45 through the portal, in addition to your regular pay history. If you cannot find your P60, search the internal portal or ask payroll support.

5. Personal Information Updates

If you move to a new address or update your bank details, you can change your personal information directly through MySainsburys Kronos without hassle.

Sainsbury’s Employee Benefits

Understanding MySainsburys Kronos is only part of the picture. The portal also gives you access to your full benefits package and it is worth knowing what you are entitled to.

Benefit	Details
Colleague Discount	10% off at Sainsbury’s & Argos (25% at Habitat). Active after 12 weeks. Nominate one person at same address.
Annual Bonus	Varies by role and location rewards dedication and performance.
Pension Scheme	Auto-enrolled. Free life cover = 1 year’s pay. Step Up contributions increase pension & cover.
Holiday Allowance	22–27 days paid leave, growing with career. Extra day after 5 years’ service.
Love It Platform	Savings at 1,000+ retailers including restaurants, cinemas, and stores.
Employee Assistance	Free, confidential EAP: counselling, legal advice, and debt guidance.
Sharesave Scheme	Buy Sainsbury’s shares at a discounted price. Eligible after 3 months.
Cycle to Work	Hire a bike with a 10% discount. Save on tax and National Insurance.
Maternity Leave	26 weeks paid (after 1 year service) + 13 weeks statutory.
Paternity Leave	2 weeks fully paid (after 6 months of service).

Note: According to company estimates, discounts alone can help colleagues save over £600 annually on an £80 weekly shop. Combined with free food during shifts and pension contributions, total compensation at Sainsbury’s is one of the strongest in UK grocery retail.

How Much Is Sainsbury’s Paying Per Hour?

Pay is one of the most-searched topics among Sainsbury’s colleagues, and the good news is that Sainsbury’s has been consistently increasing its rates above inflation.

Role / Location	Hourly Pay (March 2026)	Annual (Full-time)
National (Sainsbury’s & Argos)	£13.23 per hour	~£25,798/yr
London (Sainsbury’s & Argos)	£14.54 per hour	~£28,353/yr
National Living Wage (April 2026)	£12.71 per hour	(Government minimum)
Sainsbury’s 5-year increase	+42% since 2020	Above inflation every year

This 5% above-inflation increase from March 2026 builds on several years of sustained investment, with hourly rates having risen by 42% over the last five years. For many full-time colleagues, this means over £1,200 more per year before overtime or premium enhancements.

What Is Sainsbury’s 12 Rule?

The “12 rule” at Sainsbury’s most commonly refers to three separate policies. Here is a clear breakdown:

1. The 12-Week Probation Rule: If a colleague has one absence in the first 12 weeks of their employment, they may not be taken further in the role. This applies specifically during the probationary window and is intended to establish reliable attendance patterns from the outset.

2. The 3% Absence Threshold: Regardless of the reason, if a Sainsbury’s worker does not attend work for more than three per cent of their annual contracted hours, approximately a week and a half, they may be subject to a disciplinary review. This policy has been the subject of ongoing discussions between Sainsbury’s and trade unions, including Unite and Usdaw.

3. The 12-Week Discount Card Rule: A positive “12” milestone, twelve weeks into your role, your colleague’s discount card becomes active, giving you 10% off at Sainsbury’s, Argos, and Habitat.

Important: Always check your own contract and the most recent version of the colleague handbook via MySainsburys for the exact terms that apply to your specific role and location.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of MySainsburys Kronos

• Bookmark oursainsburys.co.uk to your phone’s home screen for one-tap access
• Check your rota regularly, changes can be made by managers without direct notification
• Download payslips monthly and keep a local copy for your own records
• Submit holiday requests early, aim for two to three weeks’ notice
• Set up the UKG app and enable push notifications for shift updates
• Verify your timecard cross-reference recorded hours with your payslip before each pay period closes
• If your Kronos link stops working, ask your manager for the updated UKG Pro app route

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Kronos Sainsbury’s? MySainsburys Kronos (now powered by UKG Workforce Central) is Sainsbury’s workforce management tool integrated into the employee portal. It is where you view your rota, track hours worked, request time off, and manage shift swaps. No separate login is needed Kronos is accessed through the main MySainsburys portal at oursainsburys.co.uk.

Q: What is Sainsbury’s 12 rule? The “12 rule” refers to the 12-week probationary window during which a single absence can affect continued employment, the 12-week milestone when your colleague discount card activates, and the broader 3% annual absence threshold which, if exceeded, can trigger a disciplinary review. Always refer to your most up-to-date colleague handbook for the exact terms.

Q: What benefits do Sainsbury’s employees get? From the moment you join, you are eligible for a 10% discount on shopping at Sainsbury’s, Argos, and Habitat, with the option to nominate a second user at the same address. Additional benefits include automatic pension enrolment with free life cover, a holiday buying scheme, a cycle to work scheme, the Love It rewards platform with savings at over 1,000 retailers, and a free Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, legal advice, and debt support.

Q: How much is Sainsbury’s paying per hour? From March 2026, hourly pay is £13.23 per hour nationally and £14.54 per hour in London. This represents a 5% above-inflation increase, part of a sustained investment strategy that has raised hourly pay by 42% over the last five years.

Final Thoughts

MySainsburys Kronos (UKG) is the central hub for managing your working life at Sainsbury’s. From checking your rota and downloading payslips to submitting holiday requests and monitoring your hours, the platform brings everything together in one secure place. Combined with a competitive pay rate and one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in UK retail, being a Sainsbury’s colleague in 2026 comes with real financial value beyond the headline hourly rate.

If you have trouble accessing your portal or any of the features above, your first port of call should be your store manager or the Sainsbury’s IT helpdesk; both are equipped to resolve access issues quickly.